While on one side I applaud Mattel for coming up with some new Barbie options to be slightly more inclusive of today’s girl, we are actually adding MORE labels onto our girls. Indirectly we are asking them if they fall into one of these categories…petite, curvy, tall or old school barbie? If we buy a Barbie as a gift for a petite girl, do we have have to buy a “petite” Barbie that looks more like her? Will it empower her or deflate her about her height? If she has curves, are we telling her that she looks more like a curvy Barbie and may never be a traditional Barbie? Why do we have to categorize little girls like this? I certainly don’t agree with the following statements:’The new toys allow “the product line to be a better reflection of what girls see in the world around them,” says spokeswoman Michelle Chidoni.’
‘”We believe we have a responsibility to girls and parents to reflect a broader view of beauty,” said Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice president and global general manager of Barbie’
Seriously?!?!? Look at the picture above. These Barbie’s DO NOT reflect women around the world!!!!
5) Barbie does not INSPIRE
I know the Chief Operating Officer of Mattel feels differently that I do about this because he believes ‘ “For more than 55 years, Barbie has remained a global, cultural icon and a source of inspiration and imagination to millions of girls around the world,” Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mattel, said in a statement. “Barbie has reflected the world girls see around them. Her ability to evolve and grow with the times, while remaining true to her spirit, is central to why Barbie has remained the number one fashion doll in world.” ‘
What exactly has Barbie inspired? Little girls who want to have an unattainable body? Perfectly coifed hair? Permanent eye makeup? Perfect looking boyfriend/husband Ken? Bubblegum lifestyle? Until recently, the ability to only wear high heels? I am having a hard time believing that Barbie has inspired anything positive. She has been the source of body issues and not representing the melting pot that is America. I know there are some “ethnic” Barbie’s, but seriously when was the last time you went to a play date and there Barbie’s from around the world? Never!
So I will give some Kudos to Mattel for trying to make Barbie more relevant today but lets face it, she will never be an American Girl. A girl that emulates eight to eleven year old girls of varying ethnicities and histories. Young girls also have the option of creating an American Girl that looks like them..true substance is something Barbie may want but will never have.